Escudero files bill for fixed 5-year term for barangay officials

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for a fixed five-year term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, saying the move would end the recurring cycle of postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Escudero made the statement during Monday’s public hearing of the Senate Sub-Committee on Local Government, which he presided over, amid growing scrutiny over the proposed postponement of the November 2, 2026 BSKE.

“My bill does not extend. My bill fixes,” Escudero said, referring to Senate Bill No. 2387.

The measure seeks to institutionalize a five-year term for elected barangay and SK officials and establish a definite election schedule instead of repeatedly postponing local elections.

In a press statement, Escudero acknowledged that the immediate effect of the bill would be the postponement of the upcoming BSKE but stressed that its main objective is to provide stability in barangay governance.

He said longer, fixed terms would allow barangay governments to sustain community development programs, disaster response, peace and order initiatives, and other frontline services without being repeatedly disrupted by election preparations and postponements.

Under SB 2387, existing term-limit rules would remain in place. Barangay officials may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms, while SK officials are limited to one term.

Officials who are already serving their third consecutive term would also be barred from seeking another term in the November 2028 elections.

Escudero said counting the terms already served would prevent incumbent officials from gaining an unfair advantage through an outright extension of their tenure.

The proposal gained support from representatives of the Liga ng mga Barangay, the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and the National Youth Commission (NYC). Some groups, however, maintained that the 2026 elections should proceed as scheduled and that the five-year term should only take effect after the next polls.

The Senate hearing also tackled Senate Bill No. 2067, filed by Senator Imee Marcos, which seeks to move the November 2026 BSKE to October 2027, citing economic and logistical considerations.

Escudero directed the Senate committee secretariat to prepare a report incorporating the proposed amendments and the positions raised by resource persons for plenary deliberation. — (FREEMAN)